Victoria’s annual Falls Festival has received $8,500 from the Brumby Government to boost tourism and support local jobs.
“The Brumby Government continues to support tourism in Victoria which helps to boost economic activity in Victoria and protect jobs,” Ms Tierney said.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, said that the Falls Festival is celebration of the year to come and one of Victoria’s most anticipated events.
“The four-day music festival will be held from 29 December 2009 to 1 January 2010 and showcases national and international artists as well as emerging Australian talent,” Ms Tierney said.
“Held in the pristine Otway rainforest at Lorne, the event is an important economic driver for tourism in the region and is a fantastic way of drawing new and return visitors to experience our many attractions.
“Last year the Falls Festival attracted approximately 14,500 people to the Great Ocean Road region, which is great news for local tourism operators,” Ms Tierney said.
“Visitors are encouraged to stay on and discover the fantastic range of diverse attractions and events along the Great Ocean Road – whether you are interested in touring, food and wine, history and heritage or music.
“The sell-out event attracts local and interstate visitors each year and is branching out to attract international tourists from the UK and other markets through promotional activities at the famous Glastonbury Festival.
“Journalists from the UK will be attending this year’s event and spreading the message back home that Victoria is the place to be,” she said.
Ms Tierney said that the Brumby Government is committed to promoting and supporting events in regional Victoria and boosting our tourism industry which provides thousands of local jobs.
“Events and festivals such as this one contribute to the prosperity, growth and community spirit of our regional areas,” Ms Tierney said.
“The Falls Festival has so much on offer and as well as music features comedians, cinema, market stalls, nature treks and surf safaris.
“The Falls Festival is an institution which has been held annually over the New Year period since 1993.
“Congratulations to the organisers of this magnificent event, I’m sure that the 09-10 Festival will bring the New Year in on a high note,” Ms Tierney said.